When to Plant Native Seeds in Australia

Planting native seeds at the right time increases germination rates, reduces watering needs, and mirrors natural rainfall cues. Australia's climates vary widely, but most natives follow clear seasonal rhythms. This guide explains the best planting windows by season and region, with examples from popular species in the Native Seed Co collection.

1. The Best Overall Time to Plant Native Seeds in Australia

Spring and early autumn are the two optimal seasons for most native flowers.

Spring (September–November)

The ideal planting season for:

•Warmth
•Longer daylight
•Rising soil temperature
•Reliable early growth

Suitable for most species including:

→ Kangaroo Paw Seeds → Pink Chenille Myrtle → Gold Dust Wattle → Purple Coral Pea → Native Frangipani → Banksias (Ashbyi, Coccinea, Ericifolia)

Autumn (March–May)

Excellent for cooler climates or species requiring gentle establishment before winter.

Ideal for:

→ Honey Myrtles (Melaleuca species)→ Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii, Purple Hibiscus)→ Pincushion Hakea → Sturt's Desert Pea (in warm inland regions)→ Bottlebrush species

2. Planting Times by Australian Climate Zone

Australia's climates require small adjustments to maximise germination.

A. Mediterranean (WA, SA coastal, parts of NSW VIC)

Best planting time:

• Autumn → warm days, cool nights, reliable moisture
• Late winter to early spring for heat-loving species

Great choices:

→ Pink Chenille Myrtle → Honeybush Hakea → Little Kangaroo Paw → Scarlet Banksia

B. Temperate (VIC, southern NSW, TAS)

Best planting time:

• Spring (avoids frost risk)
• Early autumn for hardy species

Good for:

→ Waratah → Summer Snow Flakes → Albany Bottlebrush → Australian Bluebell

C. Subtropical (QLD, northern NSW, coastal WA)

Best planting time:

• Late winter
• Early spring
• Late autumn (avoid humid mid-summer)

Excellent species:

→ Native Frangipani → Painted Lady → Tall Kangaroo Paw → Gold Dust Wattle

D. Tropical North (NT, Far North QLD)

Best planting time:

• End of dry season (Aug–Oct) → rising humidity triggers germination
• Avoid heavy wet season rainfall

Suitable species:

→ Sea Berry Saltbush → Honey Myrtle species

E. Arid & Inland Australia

Best planting time:

• Autumn and early spring after rain
• Soil temperature rises quickly

Top performers:

→ Sturt's Desert Pea → Bacon & Eggs → Hamilton's Wattle → Coral Creeper

3. Species-Specific Timing

Banksias (Ashbyi, Coccinea, Ericifolia)

Plant spring to early summer for warm germination.

→ Browse Banksia Seeds

Kangaroo Paw (Bicolor, Flavidus, Viridis)

Best in spring or autumn depending on climate.

→ Kangaroo Paw Seeds

Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)

Plant late winter or early spring to avoid heat stress.

→ Waratah Seeds

Sturt's Desert Pea

Plant late autumn or spring after rainfall.

→ Sturt's Desert Pea Seeds

Melaleuca species (Pink Chenille Myrtle, Heart-Leaf Honey Myrtle)

Best in autumn or spring, avoid extreme heat.

→ Melaleuca Seeds

Wattles (Gold Dust Wattle, Hamilton's Wattle)

Plant spring for fast growth.

→ Wattle Seeds

Bottlebrush (Albany Bottlebrush)

Plant spring or early autumn for steady establishment.

→ Bottlebrush Seeds

Hakea species (Pincushion Hakea, Honeybush)

Plant late winter to spring.

→ Hakea Seeds

4. Quick Rule-of-Thumb Planting Guide

Spring:best overall time; suits most natives

Autumn:great for Mediterranean and temperate climates

Winter:plant frost-sensitive species indoors only

Summer:avoid unless seed trays are shaded and watered consistently

5. The Best Time to Plant By Seed Type

Fast-Germinating Flowering Natives

• Kangaroo Paw
• Golden Banksia
• Gold Dust Wattle

→ Plant in spring for rapid results.

Slow or Temperature-Sensitive Species

• Waratah
• Banksia coccinea
• Purple Hibiscus

→ Plant in spring or earlier indoors.

Drought-Adapted Species

• Sturt's Desert Pea
• Sea Berry Saltbush
• Bacon & Eggs

→ Plant in autumn for soft establishment.

6. When NOT to Plant Native Seeds

Avoid:

•Mid-summer heatwaves
•Waterlogged winter soils
•Periods with 40°C+ daytime temperatures
•Times with no access to shade for trays

These reduce germination and increase seedling loss.

7. Recommended Seasonal Starter Packs

Spring Starter Pack

→ Purple Coral Pea → Gold Dust Wattle → Tall Kangaroo Paw

Autumn Starter Pack

→ Pink Chenille Myrtle → Honeybush Hakea → Australian Bluebell

8. Final Notes

Planting native seeds at the right time maximises germination success and reduces watering effort. Most Australian native flowers respond to gentle seasonal cues — warm soil, longer daylight, and moderate moisture. Match your planting window to your region and species, and your seeds will reward you with resilient, high-performing native plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant native seeds in Australia?

The best overall time to plant native seeds in Australia is spring and early autumn. Spring provides warm soil and longer daylight hours ideal for rapid germination, while autumn offers stable temperatures and softer moisture conditions for Mediterranean and temperate climates.

Can I plant native seeds in summer?

Most Australian native seeds should not be planted during the peak of summer because high temperatures, dry winds and intense sunlight increase seedling loss. Only plant in summer if you have shaded propagation areas and can maintain consistent moisture.

What is the best time to plant Banksia seeds?

Banksia seeds germinate best in spring to early summer when soil temperatures are warm. Planting in spring also avoids excessive winter moisture that can cause fungal issues in young seedlings.

When should I plant Kangaroo Paw seeds?

Kangaroo Paw seeds can be planted in either spring or autumn. Spring suits cooler climates, while autumn planting works well in warmer Mediterranean and subtropical regions to avoid midsummer heat stress.

When is the right time to plant Waratah seeds?

Waratah seeds should be planted in late winter or early spring. Planting before the heat of summer gives seedlings time to establish and reduces the risk of heat-related stress during early growth.

Can I plant native seeds in autumn?

Yes. Autumn is one of the best planting seasons for many native flowers, especially in WA, SA, VIC and NSW. Cooler nights and warm days promote stable germination, and rainfall patterns help keep soil moisture consistent.

What is the best time to plant drought-tolerant native species?

Drought-tolerant species such as Sturt's Desert Pea, Sea Berry Saltbush and Bacon and Eggs grow best when planted in autumn. This allows seedlings to establish before the onset of summer heat.

Does planting time vary by Australian climate zone?

Yes. Planting times vary between Mediterranean, temperate, subtropical, tropical and arid zones. Mediterranean climates favour autumn, temperate regions prefer spring, subtropics benefit from late winter to early spring, and inland regions respond best to autumn or spring after rain.

What season gives the highest germination success for beginners?

Spring offers the highest success rate for beginners because it aligns with natural germination cues across most native species. Warm soil, longer days and moderate weather give seeds the strongest start.

Is it okay to plant native seeds indoors during winter?

Yes. Frost-sensitive or warm-germinating species such as Banksia and Waratah can be started indoors during winter using propagation trays and bright indirect light. Move them outdoors once consistent spring temperatures arrive.